Rockford, Ill. – A fast-moving line of strong thunderstorms is racing across northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, and southern Wisconsin early Tuesday, packing wind gusts near 50 mph and the potential to knock down small tree limbs. The storms, moving northeast at up to 60 mph, are impacting travel and outdoor conditions from Dubuque to Rockford to Madison before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service, radar indicated storms stretched from Dubuque, Iowa, to Dixon, Illinois, just before 4 a.m. Tuesday. Gusts of 40–50 mph have already been recorded in parts of Whiteside, Carroll, and Stephenson counties. Unsecured outdoor items could be blown around, and minor power outages are possible in affected areas.
Communities in the path include Sterling, Galena, Freeport, Janesville, Platteville, Monroe, and Rock Falls. Interstate 88 near mile markers 39 to 44, as well as stretches of I-39/90 near the Illinois–Wisconsin border, may see reduced visibility and sudden crosswinds.
Residents are urged to seek shelter indoors and delay travel until storms pass. The strongest winds are expected to shift into southern Wisconsin by daybreak, with additional scattered storms possible later today.
